I’m a photographer, graphic designer, and artist who decided life’s too short not to chase what you love. I’ve been a graphic designer since straight out of school, but deep down, I always knew photography was my thing. So… what the heck, follow your dreams and all that — and here we are.

My obsession with cameras and all the shiny photography gear started in my teenage years. Back then, I had no clue what I was doing, but I knew it made me happy. Fast forward a few years (okay fine… more than a few) and Whimsy and Love Photography was born — and honestly, I couldn’t be happier.

Hey, I’m Charlize
— the face (and slightly chaotic energy) behind Whimsy and Love Photography.

When I’m not
behind the lens…


You’ll probably find me with a paintbrush in hand. I adore painting with oils — mostly sheep and roses for some reason (don’t ask, it’s a thing). The dream was to be a full-time artist, but I also quite enjoy eating, so for now my paintings are just for me… and to slowly drive my husband mad by covering every available wall space in our house.

I’m also a proud mom to one tiny human and a small zoo.

My beautiful baby girl Amelia keeps me on my toes, and then there’s the fluffy squad: four dogs and a cat. Yep — five pets, all of whom made the big move with us when we relocated from Krugersdorp, South Africa to the UK in 2021. Together we’re a wild, love-filled, occasionally muddy family of eight, living our best farm-style life in beautiful Staffordshire.

A few fun facts about me:

❤︎ I think Friends is still the funniest show ever made and I’ve probably watched it a million times
(could I be any more obsessed?)
❤︎ If there’s a mountain, I’m climbing it. I am not fit, but in my head I’m still 16 with the stamina of an energizer bunny.
❤︎ I run a travel YouTube channel with my husband called Mike & Liesie — mostly so our family can see what we’re up to… and because I like making little movies (even if I’m rubbish at uploading them).
❤︎ I’m a true foodie — feed me something delicious (or cake… especially cake) and we’ll be best friends forever.

Why photography?

Because life is made up of moments. The big ones, the tiny ones, and the ones you don’t even realise are special until later. I believe in capturing it all — the laughs, the tears, the muddy boots and dancing babies, the soft golden light and spontaneous hugs.

If you’re after photos that feel like you, that tell your story honestly, with a little bit of magic and a whole lot of heart… I’m your girl.

Let’s make some memories.

The stories

A collection of stories from behind the lens. Real people, real moments, and the memories we’ve made together.